locust update the 1st dekad of February, 2012

Migratory and red locusts update for the first dekad of February, 2012 and a forecast for the next dekad

I. Meteorological and ecological conditions

During the 1st and 3rd dekads of January, tropical cyclones Chanda and Funso brought above average rainfall to the gregarization areas of the Malagasy locust (LMC). Average to above average rainfall was recorded in Central Horombe (Ianabinda, Analamary, Ankomanga, Ianakafy, etc.), the initial multiplication area (AMI), in the foothills of Isalo, North Horombe (Andohan , , , etc.) as well as the Manja basin in the northern AMI. Good rain was also reported in December and January, 2012 in the transitional multiplication (ATM) and densation areas (AD).

II. Locust situation

Migratory (Malagasy) Locust

Hatching was observed during the third dekad of January and small groups of hoppers were formed in Manja in the Northwest part of the AMI. Large groups of hoppers were detected in the central part of the AMI, between Analamary and Ianakafy and they could leave these areas before intervention is launched. No report was received from the southern part of the AMI during this period. The second generation hoppers formed small and large groups in the ATM where mating and egg laying continued. In the Nort-West area of the ATM, small and large groups of 1st to 4th instar hoppers at densities ranging from 40-300 insects/sq. m were observed in Heteropogon contortus and Stereospermum variabilae in the savannah areas on 60 to 500 sq m in over 50 meters to 5 km stretch. Relatively heavy hopper infestations were observed in the Soahazo, Befandriana-Sud, and Basibasy triangle. However, hatching contiues and will likely exacerbate the situation.

Low to medium density 1st and 2nd instar hoppers and mating adult LMC were obsered in the Central ATM areas in Vineta and Balomotra. Adult and hoppers of red locust (NSE) mixed with LMC were observed. Low density immature adult solitario-transient and larval populations were observed in the pereplain of Fontandrevo and the Mahafaly Arc. Vey low density adults were observed in the Northwest zone of the AD, in Morombe and Mangoky delta (perhaps due to heavy moisture). In the lowlands of Tuliara, low density 1st to 3rd instar transient and solitary-transient hoppers and mature adults were observed. Adults were preparing for 1st or 2nd generation egg laying. Mature adults were also detcted in green grasses between Beheloka and Itampolo on the coastal lowlands in Mahafaly, but no hoppers were observed during this time. Low density adult populations were observed where hatching was just commencing in the Mahafaly plateau between Ankazomanga et Beomby (see map, courtesy FAO-CNA).

LMC UPDATE I-2012 AELGA

Madagascar locust update the 1st dekad of February, 2012

Red Locust

Red locust (NSE) hatching has taken place in the outbreak areas in the Mahafaly Arc and Plateaux, the Belomotra and the Ambohangy regions where 1st and 2nd instar hoppers were seen forming groups mixed with LMC. This phenomenon tends to create a synergy between the two species and further exacerbate the situation(see map, courtesy FAO-CNA).

III. Impacts of current locust populations

No crop damage was reported during this time as most of the locusts remained in their primary habitat (natural grasses etc.,) and were not close to cropping areas.

IV. Interventions

Survey and control operations continued activities against LMC in the south and NSE in the north since September 9, 2011. In January and February, CNA activities concentrated in and the Befandriana–South and in zones. As of the first dekad of February, close to 8,550 ha have been treated by ground means using some 8,455 l of Chlorpyrifos 240 ULV in all five locust zones and Antsoihihy.

V. Inventory of resources

Pesticide inventory, including pipeline as of the first dekad of February, 2012,

Quantity Type Source Delivery date

25,305 L Chlorpyrifos 240 UL Miscl in store 12,000 L Deltaklor* 125 UL IFAD Jan 13, 2012 16,000 L Teflubenzuron (IGR) 50 UL FAO March 15, 2012 6 000 L Chlorpyrifos 240 UL FAO March 15, 2012 20,000 L conventional pesticides GoM no known 1,090 Kg Green Muscle (biopesticide) from 2010-11 in store Campaign 80,395 l/Kg (total) *Deltaklor (120g/L of Chlorpyrifos-ethylet and 5g/L of deltamethrin)

VI. Forecast

The 2011-12 campaign commenced proactively in mid-September 2011 where unusually favorable conditons allwed locusts to remain active and subsequently paving the way for the second generation. This was augmented by the appearance of the NSE in mid-December which coincided with favorable ecological conditions in the ATM areas and the synergy between the two species which lead up to enhacing gregarization. Large scale control interventions can be launched at the beginning of March when FAO-CNA

LMC UPDATE I-2012 AELGA

Madagascar locust update the 1st dekad of February, 2012 adequately reinforce aerial capability and ground operations. The timing will likely coincide with more mobile locusts and 2nd generation hoppers and groups. At the moment interventions are limited and concentrated on ground control due to lack of spray equipment and other resources, including transpotation facitlites, etc. This situation could be undermined by the weather condition et al. given the above normal cyclone season in the forecast for that region.

VII. FAO-CNA plans for the next dekads

During the next 2 dekads:

FAO and CNA will be implementing the CERF plan with strategic, technical and logistical adjustments under the leadership of Mr. Said Lagnaoui, FAO’s campaign coordinator, in consultation with CNNA, DPV, MinAgri, etc. FAO will be fielding two consultants to continue survey operations in primary invasion and outbreak areas.

A CERF-funded helicopter is expected to arrive in Antana on 25 February and begin operations during the first dekad of March. The helicopter will be operating in areas inaccessible by land or fixed wing aircraft or too large for vehicle mounted or backpack sprayers (note: CERF contributed USD 2 Million to the 2011-2012 locust campaign estimated by FAO-CNA at USD 7.2 Million).

FAO and CNA are in contact with development partners and other international and national entities and providing updates on the current situation and its potential implications on. FAO will continue discussions and visits with partners (based on information obtained from the FAO-CAN, of the estimated USD 7.2 million required for the 2011-12 campaign, less than 40% of has been received or pledged in cash or in kind) source: FAO-CNA, 02/13/2012).

OFDA/TAG will continue monitoring the situation and issue updates and advice accordingly.

LMC UPDATE I-2012 AELGA

Madagascar locust update the 1st dekad of February, 2012

LMC UPDATE I-2012 AELGA